Is Delhi Police exploiting constable's death?

New Delhi, Dec 26: Even though nobody should play politics over death of Delhi police constable, the conduct and the insistence of the police brass that the constable died due to violence runs contradictory to available evidence.

Medical Superintendent of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital has told the media that Delhi policeman Subhash Chand Tomar, who died on Tuesday, suffered a cardiac arrest and there were no major external or internal injuries. There were only minor bruises on knee and chest.

Dr PS Sidhu at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital has told a news agency that the constable had no major external injury marks when he was brought to the hospital. The constable is reported to have no fracture either.

The Delhi police have claimed that Tomar was beaten up by protesters at India Gate during the anti-rape protests.

The death of Tomar has sparked a major controversy with the police arresting eight people on charges of assaulting the constable and causing death while eyewitness says Tomar just collapsed near India Gate.

But why is the Delhi police insisting on calling a seemingly natural death, a murder? Is the police trying to extract mileage and sympathy after losing the trust of the public? The police should accept medical opinion and do not try to interfere in the matter like they did during the recording of rape victim's statement on Saturday.

The grieving family of Tomar holds protesters responsible for the death of the constable. Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh said the protests by students were peaceful but some elements became violent which resulted in the constable's death.

However, an eyewitness has claimed that Tomar was not beaten up by protesters but just collapsed while walking. The eyewitness, Yogendra, who is a journalism student said that he was present at the India Gate protests when he saw the constable collapse while chasing protesters.

According to the student, the constable paused for about five minutes before he collapsed and said that he had gone to him and asked if he needed help but didn't receive any response.

The constable was then rushed to the nearest hospital and the student said there were no signs of injury on the constable's body.

The 47-year-old constable died early Tuesday due to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.